Synchronous Online Learning in Malaysia Tertiary Education During Movement Control Order (MCO)

Background - Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, synchronous online learning was a new term to most of the Malaysian full-time undergraduates. However, with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysian had to work from home and learn from home. Hence, synchronous online learning was introduced to schools, colleges and universities. Everyone in the education sector had to learn and embrace this learning method which was relatively new at that time. Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate (i) how to engage with students who were learning from a distance away from teachers (lecturers) and (ii) how to increase students’ interest in synchronous online learning (SOL) method? Design/methodology/approach - In order to gain an in-depth understanding of this new phenomenal, case study research method will be employed. Single case study will be employed to achieve this objective. Focus group discussions with Malaysian undergraduate students will be conducted as the primary data collection method. Thematic analysis using Nvivo computer software will be used to identify emerging patterns and themes of this study. Findings/Expected Contributions - Two categories of factors were identified influencing students’ engagement and interest in SOL (i) the external factors and (ii) internal factors. The external factors include (i) The Internet connection, (ii) home environment and (iii) teaching skills. The internal factors include (i) student’s personality, (ii) learning attitudes and (iii) needs to socialize. Students were divided in their views toward SOL (i) started to like and enjoy SOL and would like to continue to learning via this method, (ii) dislike and did not enjoy SOL and cannot wait to go back to university campus to learn in the physical classes and (iii) standing in the neutral ground with regard to SOL. To the 3rd group, they just want to complete their study on time and just doing their part to fulfil their responsibilities. Research limitations - This study focuses on a single case may lack generalization. Therefore, future researchers can include quantitative research to complement this. Next, this study focused only on Malaysian social science undergraduate students and the impact of SOL during MCO may have impacts on science students, therefore, involving science students in the future study will provide a more holistic view. Originality/value - this study can fill the literature gap of synchronous online learning in terms of contextual and methodological aspects and practical contribution to the education sector by offering practical solution